Suffocated by the concrete tower blocks and skinny skyscrapers that swamp this massive venue, the only way for a first-timer to locate the Barbican Centre is to pay strict attention to the yellow lines on the ground which guide you from the nearest tube stations. Architecturally, the center is something of a 1960s-style monstrosity but the hive of activity inside more than makes up for that. Contained in the complex you'll find the Barbican Cinema, which is always at the cutting edge of art house cinematography; the Barbican Theatre that plays host to the Royal Shakespeare Company, among others; the Barbican Hall which is home to the London Symphony Orchestra; and the Barbican Gallery that showcases unique talent from around the world. You can even enjoy a prior or post theater meal at their excellent restaurant, Searcy's.